Children's home run by We Are Beams in Sevenoaks

children and young people since the most recent full inspection

This home was judged Good at the full inspection. At this interim inspection Ofsted judge that it has Sustained effectiveness .

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There were no children present during this inspection. Documents sampled show that children share their views during regular meetings and via formal feedback questionnaires. Children’s comments seen were positive about staying at this home. Feedback was sought from placing social workers and parents and carers of children who access the service. Records relating to the safety and welfare of children were sampled. Currently, there are 37 children who regularly access this provision.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Restraint records have been amended to include all information required by regulation. There have been no restraints since the previous inspection to demonstrate the new recording format in practice.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

No new staff members have commenced work since the previous inspection. As a result, the Registered Manager is unable to demonstrate the robustness of revised recruitment practice. She demonstrates a sound awareness of vetting checks. Recruitment practice will be considered as part of subsequent inspections.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

In March 2016, staff members completed risk assessment training. Following this, individual children’s risk assessments are being revised. These documents show some improvement in reflecting known risks. However, one risk assessment did not reflect a risky behaviour described in one child’s support plan. The Registered Manager took immediate action to address this. Although improved, consistently good risk management practice is not yet embedded and the requirement remains.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

The Registered Manager has produced a draft six-monthly review of the quality of care. It identifies patterns and trends and an action point. However, this evaluation is not finalised. As a result, has not been formally shared with Ofsted in line with regulatory requirements. This requirement is repeated to ensure a comprehensive review of the quality of care takes place.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

There have been no safeguarding matters, missing episodes from the home or complaints since the previous inspection. Parents and carers identify the positive impact the home has on the lives of children who access it. Comments from parents included, ‘my child is looked after very well when staying. I know what my child has done at respite as the staff email me a summary of the visit. I think that’s great’. Another parent said, ‘my child has progressed socially since visiting. They have made other friends and do lots of activities there’.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Children stay in a bright, child-focused environment. The property is well- maintained and safe. Children enjoy exploring the extensive outdoor play area and sensory cabins. They use the trampoline, snooker table and craft resources freely. Off-site trips are regular including walks in local parks and woodlands, shopping, bowling or watching a local football team play. These provide children with varied experiences. Promoting children’s independence continues, children help make their own beds, undertake simple baking and help clear away after mealtimes. This positively supports them to gain life skills appropriate to their age and understanding.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Staff members training since the previous inspection includes fire safety and Makaton communication. This ensures the staff team has the necessary skills to meet the wide-range of needs of children who regularly visit.

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children and young people since the most recent full inspection

Feedback from a placing social worker demonstrates continued good partnership work. They stated ‘the home worked collaboratively with child and adolescent mental health services, social services, parents and school…..short breaks staff members continue to attend all meetings and share information with the school to ensure consistent care across settings’.

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Information about this children's home

This home is registered to provide short breaks for up to six young people with emotional and/or behavioural difficulties, learning difficulties and physical disabilities. The home is operated by a charitable organisation.

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Recent inspection history

Inspection date Inspection type Inspection judgement

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Recent inspection history

30/03/2015 Interim Declined in effectiveness

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Statutory Requirements

This section sets out the actions which must be taken so that the registered person/s meets the Care Standards Act 2000, Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. The registered person(s) must comply with the given timescales.

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Requirement Due date

The registered person must complete a review of the quality of care provided for children ('a quality of care review') at least once every six months (Regulation 45(1)) 02/05/2016

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Requirement Due date

In order to meet the protection of children standard the registered person must ensure:

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Requirement Due date

(2)(a)(i) that staff assess whether each child is at risk of harm, taking into account information in the child's relevant plans, and, if necessary, make arrangements to reduce the risk of any harm to the child. 02/05/2016

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What the inspection judgements mean

At the interim inspection we make a judgement on whether the home has improved in effectiveness, sustained effectiveness, or declined in effectiveness since the previous full inspection. This is in line with the Inspection of children's homes: framework for inspection.

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people living in the children's home. Inspectors considered the quality of work and the difference adults make to the lives of children and young people. They read case files, watched how professional staff work with children, young people and each other and discussed the effectiveness of help and care given to children and young people. Wherever possible, they talked to children, young people and their families. In addition the inspectors have tried to understand what the children's home knows about how well it is performing, how well it is doing and what difference it is making for the children and young people who it is trying to help, protect and look after. This inspection focused on the effectiveness of the home and the progress and experiences of children and young people since the most recent full inspection.

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Information about this inspection

This inspection was carried out under the Care Standards Act 2000 to assess the effectiveness of the service and to consider how well it complies with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Guide to the children's homes regulations including the quality standards. the guidance raising concerns and making complaints about Ofsted, which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, workbased learning and skills training, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It inspects services for looked after children and child protection. If you would like a copy of this document in a different format, such as large print or Braille, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk . You may reuse this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence , write to the Information Policy Team,

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Information about this inspection

The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk .

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Information about this inspection

Interested in our work? You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more information and updates: http://eepurl.com/iTrDn .

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Information about this inspection

Store Street Manchester M1 2WD T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

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